University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 10-06-2011

Submit your nominations for outstanding employees this month

Now is the time to nominate a great employee or team of employees for the Outstanding Maverick Awards.

Regular full-time and part-time employees who have been employed for a minimum of two years are eligible for nomination. Each Outstanding Maverick selected will receive $1,000 and a plaque at a dinner honoring the recipients.

"It is important to nominate employees who you feel have made extraordinary contributions to the University," says Eunice Currie, assistant vice president for Human Resources Management and Development.

Award categories include (1) professional, para-professional, and technical; (2) administrative support; (3) service and maintenance; (4) administrative and professional; and (5) team with a maximum of 10 members.

The nomination form can be submitted electronically, faxed to 2-3361, or mailed to the Office of Human Resources, Box 19176. Nominations are being accepted through Friday, Oct. 28.

For questions or concerns, contact Currie at 2-7091.

Improving health care: Dr. J.-C. Chiao and his team are working on research to help cancer patients.

Engineering professors receive research grants

UT Arlington faculty are included in three of the four grants totaling $400,000 that the Texas Medical Research Collaborative has announced in its effort to bring innovation to the marketplace in critical health care fields.

J.-C. Chiao, Jenkins Garrett Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, is principal investigator for “A Wireless Micro Gastro-Stimulator for Treatment of Severe Gastric Dysmotility.” His team will determine whether tiny electrical stimulations can enable cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments to more easily digest food. Dereje Agonafer, a professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering, is the co-principal investigator.

Haiying Huang, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is principal investigator for “Embedding Passive Wireless Shear/Pressure Sensors in Shoes for Diabetic Foot Diagnostic and Ulcer prevention.”

Dan Popa, associate professor of electrical engineering, received an award for helping create a human robot interaction system, which will be used for early diagnosis and treatment for children suffering from autism spectrum disorders.

“These are technologies that can drive better health care with lower costs,” says Ron Elsenbaumer, vice president for research and federal relations. “Seeing innovation develop through collaborative efforts like this is a core strength of the alliance.”

TxMRC was founded in 2009 as a collaborative research partnership among UT Arlington, UT Dallas, Texas Instruments, Texas Health Research and Education Institute, the research and medical education arm of Texas Health Resources, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center. The Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Innovation manages the partnership.

Read more about TxMRC research awards.

Supreme design: A new facade for Theatre Arlington is one of the many designs developed by the Arlington Urban Design Center.

Urban Design Center collaboration earns award

The Arlington Urban Design Center has received the prestigious 2011 Current Planning Award from the American Planning Association Texas Chapter.

Students from the School of Urban and Public Affairs and School of Architecture have partnered with City of Arlington professionals in the center to speed along design projects, civic space planning, beautification projects, and redevelopment opportunities.

Since opening in 2009, the center has taken on more than 70 projects, including endeavors in the downtown area and near UT Arlington. The center is available to assist private business, nonprofits, and other interests that may not have the resources to renovate or design, says Lyndsay Mitchell, City of Arlington planning project manager.

Barbara Becker, dean of the School of Urban and Public Affairs, says the partnership has produced real-world success. “These are the kinds of partnerships that we value as an institution,” Dr. Becker says. “The students who work there will be ready to hit the ground running once they graduate.”

Don Gatzke, dean of the School of Architecture, says the center has exceeded expectations thus far. “Our students have risen to the challenge,” Gatzke says. “It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement as accomplished graduate students gain experience while helping the city.”

Read more about the Urban Design Center.

Education prof receives national counseling award

Ryan Gildersleeve, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies in the College of Education and Health Professions, received the John B. Muir Award from the National Association of College Admission Counseling.

The award recognizes authors who have made the most significant contributions to NACAC’s Journal of College Admission during the past year.

Gildersleeve, director of the Center for K-16 Education Policy and Research, was honored for his article, “Access Between and Beyond Borders (Winter 2010),” which uses a life history method to illustrate the college admission process for undocumented students.

On the border Cathy Leslie, executive director of Engineers Without Borders, discussed EWB-USA's commitment to equity, economy, and ecology at the College of Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series on Tuesday. A former Peace Corps volunteer, Leslie talked about her work in corporate engineering and the design and management of civil engineering projects.

Nominate students for Who's Who

Faculty and staff are invited to nominate undergraduate and graduate students who meet the criteria for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.

Who's Who Among Students is one of the most highly regarded and long-standing honors programs in the nation.

Deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Oct. 14. Criteria information and nomination forms can be found on the Student Affairs website.

For more information, contact Cathy Souders at csouders@uta.edu.

Emmitt Smith tickets sold out

Emmitt Smith's appearance for the Maverick Speakers Series is sold out. Smith will speak on "A Championship Vision" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in Texas Hall.

If you would like to attend with a free general admission ticket but don't have one, plan to arrive at Texas Hall at 6:30 p.m. the night of the lecture and check in at "Guest Relations." Guests without tickets will be seated if space permits on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream, appear next in the speakers series on Thursday, Nov. 17, at Texas Hall. Tickets will be available at utatickets.com later this month.

Wear pink, get in step for breast cancer awareness

Pink is the color for Breast Cancer Awareness Day and for an info fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 6, on the Arlington Hall mall. Rain site is the Rio Grande Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Health Services sponsors the event.

Stay in one place for the Pink Ribbon Run during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every mile logged on the pink Cybex treadmills at the Maverick Activities Center in October results in 10 cents donated by Cybex to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Mileage by each participant will be displayed, and giveaways are planned. For more information, see Campus Recreation.

Lunch and learn during Cyber Security Awareness Month

The Information Security Office presents "Identity Theft and Phishing" in the first of a series of National Cyber Security Awareness Month lunch and learns for faculty and staff at noon today, Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Rio Grande Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center. Register for lunch.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a coordinated national effort that focuses on the need for improved online safety and security.

Other presentations in the series include "Social Networking" on Thursday, Oct. 13, and "Viruses, Malware & Spyware...Oh My!" on Thursday, Oct. 20.

Night out on campus Assistant Chief of Police Ric Gomez, second from right, and Charity Stutzman, right, coordinator for the Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Program, provide information about National Night Out for Sarah Valdez and Joel Dayoa, both sophomore nursing students. The National Night Out campaign “If You See Something, Say Something," encourages people to contact police if they suspect criminal activity.

Bed Races have Flintstones theme

The Flintstones is the theme for the 31st annual Bed Races at 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 6, at Maverick Stadium. Admission is free.

Teams push beds on wheels while decked out in creative costumes at one of the University’s longest-running traditions. Prizes are awarded for fastest in women's, men's, and co-ed divisions along with best dressed and most spirited.

Other activities include music, dancing, games, giveaways, and a halftime competition. For more information, see EXCEL Campus Activities.

Weight Watchers hosts open house today

Learn about the Weight Watchers at Work series at an open house 11 a.m.-noon today, Thursday, Oct. 6, in Room 401 at Davis Hall.

The 17-week series begins Thursday, Oct. 20. You can experience Weight Watchers with the added convenience and support of meetings in your workplace.

For more information, contact Sandra Golightly at sgolightly@uta.edu.

Enjoy University Club special, respond to survey

Enjoy the monthly University Club lunch special today, Thursday, Oct. 6. The University Club is on the ground floor in Davis Hall.

The special first Thursday lunch includes grilled chicken breast with a sherry mushroom sauce and asparagus tip garnish, Italian vegetable bake, roasted rosemary potatoes, sautéed green beans and baby carrots, caesar salad, and chocolate pumpkin bar.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is $8 per person plus tax. The regular menu will not be available.

Share your opinion of Dining Services in the 2011 DiningStyles Survey and you could win a $150 Ticketmaster gift card or one of three $50 VISA gift cards.

UT Select provides full screening coverage

UT Select has always offered robust preventive care benefits including 100 percent preventive colonoscopy and no-cost immunizations for children under 6 years of age. Now, with the implementation of health care reform that began Sept. 1, certain additional preventive care and services will be available to you with no copayment or coinsurance as long as you see a network provider and meet certain screening eligibility requirements. Learn more and make your preventive care screening appointment today. UT System Benefits.

Keep immunizations current

Health Services urges faculty, staff, and students to make sure that their immunizations for communicable illnesses such as mumps, measles, varicella, pertussis, and influenza are up to date. Health Services staff recently diagnosed one case of mumps. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is available through the Tarrant County Public Health Department, 536 W. Randol Mill Road, Arlington, 817-548-3990. For more information about mumps, visit cdc.gov/mumps/index.html. For other information about UT Arlington health concerns, contact Health Services at 2-2771.

Prescription Drug Awareness

Learn about the do's and don'ts of prescription medication. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services, 2-2771.

Boot Camp Fall 2011

This indoor/outdoor class incorporates cardiovascular and strength training. Fitness assessments are performed at the beginning and end of the six-week program to gauge each person's strength and speed improvement. Register by Sunday, Oct. 9. $30. 6:15-7:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 11-Nov. 17, Room 102B, Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation, 2-3277.

Mindful Moments

There will be no Mindful Moments meeting Wednesday, Oct. 12. Next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 19. Health Services, Marie Bannister, 2-2771.

Employment Information

Check out employment opportunities at uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139, or email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Killer instinct: Tara Frantz recorded 24 kills in a victory over McNeese State last week.

Frantz earns conference volleyball honor

Senior Tara Frantz was named Southland Conference Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week for her performance in wins over McNeese State and Lamar last week.

The Mavericks started the week tied for second in the West Division of the SLC with a 3-1 record. They travel to Central Arkansas on Saturday, Oct. 8. Next home match is Saturday, Oct. 22, against Northwestern State.

Sports shorts

• Three former Mavericks helped put their teams in the Major League Baseball playoffs this season including Mark Lowe (Texas Rangers), Hunter Pence (Philadelphia Phillies), and Ryan Roberts (Arizona Diamondbacks).

• The golf team competes in the Brickyard Collegiate Championship in Macon, Ga., Friday-Sunday, Oct. 7-9. The Mavericks tied for third in their last two meets, with junior Paul McConnell taking medalist honors at the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic.

• The Movin' Mavs have announced their fall schedule with the opener set for Saturday, Oct. 22, against the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks. The Mavs host Alabama and Wisconsin-Whitewater Friday-Saturday, Oct. 28-29.

• The women's cross country team took sixth place while the men placed eighth at the Grass Routes Cross Country Meet in Austin on Friday. Up next for the Mavericks is the Chile Pepper Festival Saturday, Oct. 15, in Fayetteville, Ark.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, uta.edu/movinmavs, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Eddie Robinson's book covers 65 years of baseball Former baseball player and executive Eddie Robinson discusses his book Lucky Me: My 65 Years in Baseball at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library. The Paris, Texas, native was a minor league and major league player, as well as a scout, coach, farm director, general manager, and consultant. Robinson was involved in the formation of the players union. He played on seven American League teams and in four All-Star games and two World Series games. Later he served as general manager of the Atlanta Braves and the Texas Rangers and worked with team owners Ted Turner, George Steinbrenner, Bill Veeck, Brad Corbett, Connie Mack, and many more. His career spans the pre-integration era before and during World War II, integration, the organization of the players union, expansion, use of artificial turf, free agency, labor stoppages, and even the steroid era. Today, Robinson works to secure pension benefits for former players not covered by the major league labor agreement. C. Paul Rogers III, Robinson's co-author, is a professor of law and former dean of the SMU Law School and has co-written several other books about baseball. The talk is for the Friends of the Library's monthly meeting and is free and open to the public.

Thursday, Oct. 6

Guest Jazz Recital Features vibraphonist Dave Hagedorn, artist-in-residence at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Friday, Oct. 7

$2 Movie: Gremlins A boy inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Also 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Guest Piano Recital Luis Sanchez from Texas A&M-Commerce performs works of Liszt, Chopin, and Mussorgsky. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Saturday, Oct. 8

Guest Saxophone Recital Features Rhonda Taylor of New Mexico State University. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Sunday, Oct. 9

Faculty Violin Recital Features Martha Walvoord of the music faculty. Free. 3 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Ongoing

Silver: 25th Anniversary Exhibition A group show of 25 artists who have shown works from The Gallery at UTA's 1986 beginning as the Center for Research in Contemporary Art to the present. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Saturday, Oct. 15. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building, 2-5658.

Life and Death in the Northern Pass Photojournalist Dominic Bracco II ('08 BA) provides a view of drug violence in Ciudad Juarez. Free. Through Jan. 14. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library.

Impressions of the West: Works of Art from Special Collections The American West comes alive in more than 30 paintings, sculptures, and prints. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Through Jan. 14. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library, 2-3393.

Planetarium Nanocam: A Trip into Biodiversity is a fascinating journey exploring life-forms that are invisible to the human eye and contribute to a better understanding of the world we live in. 6 p.m. Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Planetarium, 2-1183.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)